The Palaszczuk Government has paused its annual CPI public transport fare increase to support Queenslanders during a challenging stage of the pandemic.
Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said it was in recognition of the emergence of the Omicron COVID-19 strain in the Queensland community.
“Public transport fares are adjusted each January in line with the consumer price index,” Mr Bailey said.
“In January 2021 the Government implemented a fare freeze in recognition of the economic impact COVID was having on the life of Queenslanders.
“We did this coupled with additional bus and train services in South Eastern Queensland so that public transport passengers would know there were more seats available to allow for social distancing.
“These measures and Queensland’s world leading health response have minimised the reduction in public transportation use here compared to other states.
“The emergence of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 and efforts of Queenslanders to work from home to slow the spread of virus have had a substantial impact on public transportation use.
“In recognition of this, the scheduled fare increase will be implemented in July 2022 instead, to support Queenslanders through this difficult time.
“A delay in implementing the fare increase will support Queenslanders still using public transport services.
“So far, Queensland Rail and our bus and ferry service partners have continued to deliver public transport services with minimal disruptions.
“Queensland Rail and TransLink are closely monitoring the impact of COVID transmission on bus, train and ferry crew availability and is considering a range of contingency measures.
“This may include temporarily scaling back services, as is already occurring in New South Wales and on other public transport systems worldwide.”
